Lung Association: Don"t Even Talk About Harm Reduction

As members of the Illinois Consumer Protection Committee prepare for a subject matter hearing on tobacco harm reduction, the American Lung Association seems to be making a push to stop discussion on the topic.

The hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, April 11th 2013.  As most people reading this are probably aware, harm reduction is most certainly something that should be discussed and understood by or legislators. However, The American Lung Association has launched a site for people to sign a petition to stop the hearing, deceptively portraying the concept of harm reduction as a “dirty trick” of the tobacco industry, rather than something that can, and does, save people’s lives.

I can understand the American Lung Association’s reluctance to come out and endorse things like e-cigarettes, with much still to learn about long-term effects.  However, to try to stop any discussion of such products among our legislators is shameful and inexcusable for an organization that claims to be concerned with preserving life and health.

Apparently the ALA would rather see people die than talk about the products which have worked for so many of us to reduce the harm done by cigarettes.

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Lung Association: Don"t Even Talk About Harm Reduction